Extra Curricular

We might be students of graphic design, but many of us explore the world of art beyond our computers. 

Recently Nanae and myself put on an art show at a local brewery here in Victoria: Phillips Brewery ( 2010 Government Street ). The owner Matt Phillips is a big supporter of the arts, especially anything local. Each month he lends out the walls of his retail space for local artists to showcase their work. I've had the pleasure of working at Phillips Brewing Company for the last 18 months and have seen a lot of talent fill the space. So when I was slotted in for the month of April 2012 some 12 months ago, it's safe to say I was a little nervous. The idea of a solo art show was a tad intimidating, so I recruited the talented Nanae to share the opportunity. 

The "opening" was held a week ago, showcasing my paintings, and Nanae's photography. It will be up all month for anyone who would like to stop by and have a look. I suggest picking up some beer while you're there! Our art might be on the walls, but there's a delicious kind of a different variety available in bottles as well.  

Below are some shots from the opening. 

Definitely a fun evening.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

Visit http://www.phillipsbeer.com to inquire

about holding your own show

Mad About Media

Megan Simpson, or just Simpson, is the final of our three Megan's. Funny story: she actually hadn't intended to get into graphic design at all. In fact she had applied for the fashion design program, but there was a mix up in the paperwork, some wires were crossed, and she ended up with us. 

As it turns out, Simpson has a real knack for graphic design, especially web design. She's a bit of a freak that way. I say this with pangs of jealousy. When it comes to html, the girl just gets it! Thankfully for us her love and knowledge of web design is one she enjoys sharing. Simpson is always lending a hand as the class' unofficial T.A. That said, her talents extend well beyond Dreamweaver. She is always eager to learn new things and take on a challenge. When she's introduced to a new tool, or a shiny new program, there's always squeals of delight, and her excitement is infectious.

When it comes to Megan Simpson, if her skills don't enamour you, her character will, because she certainly is one. The girl loves to laugh— and we love her laugh. She's got a great attitude that's made her a delightful addition to our class. So to whomever jumbled Simpson's paperwork: cheers! 

Networking has been taken to a whole new level over the last decade. No longer is it necessary to wear a dorky name tag and drink bad coffee under the roof of a convention centre in order to rub shoulders with like minds in our industries. Things like Twitter and Facebook have made it possible for everyone to rub shoulders, all the time, from anywhere in the world. This social media and social networking, means we're all in the know all the time; even on things we don't want to know. Simpson's infographic takes you through how we got here and shares just how involved we all are with this revolutionary form of communication.

you can follow Megan Simpson on Twitter @MFSdesign 

or reach her at meganfsimpson@hotmail.com

Crackbook

Erika McMurray was born on the mainland, but grew up an Island girl. She attended high school in the quaint coastal town of Ladysmith, then moved down to Victoria where she spent a year at Camosun College studying fine art. All things art related speak to Erika. She has an infatuation with colour and loves to draw. While she enjoys being a fine artist, Erika felt having another trade-like set of skills would be valuable. This train of thought led her to Pacific Design Academy where she has combined her past experience with a new set of digital skills. After almost two years of training, Erika is now looking forward to venturing out into the world of graphic design, and has been known to quote, "Graphic Design will save the world right after rock and roll does."— a statement by David Carson that I'm sure resonates with more than one of us.

"What's Facebook?" These are words you just don't hear anymore. Over the last few years this social networking tool has firmly woven many of us around its finger. Now with electronic devices like iPhones— which allow you to never be without your Facebook page— one has to ask: Just how addicted are we? Erika's infographic illustrates the answer to this very question... although I don't think anyone's surprised. 

you can follow Erika on Twitter @ErikaM1980 or reach 
her at airbear_1818@yahoo.ca

When Zombies Attack

There's at least one in every classroom, the kid who sits head down drawing all over the pages where their history notes are meant to be. Ami Delisle, also known as Tamara, was definitely that kid. I doubt there's anywhere she goes without her sketchbook. Tamara already had experience in Photoshop, and had been coding simple games and animations, so graphic design school seemed like the natural next step. Her illustrative skills have been a real asset in the program and have given her work a fun, playful style. In an industry where computers are the kings of the castle, it's refreshing to meet someone so skilled with just a good old fashioned pencil and a piece of paper. Combine this talent with all her shiny new graphic design training, and it's obvious Tamara will be one to watch out for. 

Tamara's infographic touches on a subject everyone can relate to. We've all wondered, either secretly or aloud, just what would you do if zombies attacked? Would you reach for the rolling pin, and hide in the bathroom, or run for the hills with a tire iron? Well, allow her gruesome guide to shed a little light on this hypothetical situation.

you can follow Tamara on Twitter @AmiDelisle or have a peek at 

more of her work at:

 http://amidelisle.daportfolio.com/

"Mom, Dad, I want to be an artist."

There was a day when a declaration like this would have resulted in a *sigh* from your parents. The idea of being an artist famously went hand in hand with starving. Luckily for us creative types there seems to be a shift occurring, and it's in our favour. Hurray!


I was given a book recently that has become less of a bedtime read, and a little more like a bible. Daniel Pink's, "A Whole New Mind" brings up some surprising facts and exciting ideas as to which direction our world is heading. In a time of abundance and automation, and where many information technology jobs are being outsourced to places like Asia, we as a society have begun to put some serious stock in our creators and empathizers. Artists today are a hot commodity. As Pink notes, "A masters of fine arts, an MFA, is now one of the hottest credentials in a world where even General Motors is in the art business. Corporate recruiters have begun visiting the top art grad schools— places such as the Rhode Island School of Design...— in search of talent." Have you seen the General Motors website? If not, you should take a look, as it's pretty spiffy. When asked what would set them apart from their competitors, an anything but artsy fartsy Robert Lutz responded, "...I see us being in the art business." This is because he saw a gold mine where others didn't yet. Think about it— now, when there are over a hundred different salad dressings lining supermarket shelves, and coffee shops every few metres peddling essentially the same product, it has become not only valuable but necessary to find a way to stand out. That my friends is where we, the artists come in. No longer the underdogs in the professional world, this "conceptual age" as Pink puts it, is our time to shine; to put our mark on things. 


So mom, dad, as it turns out, there's never been a better moment to get into the business of creating beautiful things. I hope that for those of you who are studying, or practising that this adds some wind to your sails; I know it did mine.    


(Also I'd advise picking up my new bible aka Daniel Pink's "A Whole New Mind"— you won't be disappointed)